Be fumed at her phone screen, grinding her teeth in frustration. Over an hour had passed, and she only got a single word in reply. It would''ve been better if Dominic hadn''t replied at all! Although she was still irritated, shepiled a list of the books she wanted and sent it to him, including the prices of each book. She transferred the total amount of money to him. Dominic didn''t respond or acknowledge the payment, and the screen remained frozen on the transfer notification.


    On the day of her follow-up appointment, Dominic was already waiting downstairs, having arrived early.


    Since the ident, Be had been extra cautious. She walked carefully and took small steps, and Ca supported her, which she didn''t refuse.


    Ca took the front seat when they got in the car, and Be sat in the safest spot-right in the back.


    She had woken up early that day. So after she adjusted her position, she closed her eyes to catch some more rest. Dominic''s voice suddenly cut through the silence. "The books are in the trunk. Don''t forget to take them when we get back." Be checked her phone. She received a notification that Dominic had transferred the money back to her. She sent him another message, reminding him, "Please take the payment. I won''t spend your money on anything unrted to the baby." Through the rearview mirror, Dominic nced at her. "We''ll talk about it after the baby is born."


    Be couldn''t think of a counterargument. Did he believe that because she was pregnant with his child, he had to cover all her expenses since she wasn''t working? The money he gave her each month was more than enough for her.


    When they arrived at Horizon Hospital,n conducted Be''s check-up. Be was quite familiar with the procedures at this hospital, and the check-up went quickly as she cooperated with the staff.


    Afterward,n poured her a ss of warm water. "If it weren''t for your check-up, I wouldn''t be here today. I''m basically saying goodbye to this line of work."


    Be was surprised. "Why? Are you changing careers?"


    expression tinged with reluctance. "I''m being forced into it. My father


    wants me to take over the family et


    business. I refused, so he sabotaged my work and froze my bank


    ount. I can''t win against him, so I guess I''ll have to wait until the day he dies."


    Be could see theplex emotions inn''s expression. The rtionship betweenn and his father, Steven, could never be a typical father-son bond.


    After her check-up, Be ran into


    some former colleagues. She instinctively tried to hide her growing belly. She didn''t want her pregnancy and her visit to the hospital with Dominic to be fodder for tabloid gossip.


    ???,


    Be ignored him, brushing it off as a joke. She tried to keep her distance from Dominic in public, putting all her energy into walking ahead as quickly as possible.


    Ca jogged to keep up with her while Dominic trailed behind them leisurely, maintaining just the right distance to stay visible but not too close.


    Suddenly, a kid ran out of nowhere and crashed into Be from behind. She didn''t see iting and lost her bnce, falling face-first.


    Her first instinct was to protect her stomach. She reached forward with her arms to brace herself. But the expected impact never came. Instead, a pair of hands caught her from behind, steadying her.


    Still shaken, she turned to thank the person who had helped her. Her eyes met Felix''s, and she could see the anxiety still lingering in his gaze.


    Instinctively, she nced toward Dominic. He was only a few steps away, motionless in the crowd. His expression was as cold as ice.